Chakachas
- Soundtrack
The Chakachas were a Belgium-based band of studio musicians who
specialized in Latin soul music. Also known as Les Chakachas and Los
Chakachas, the group was formed by arranger and band leader Gaston
Bogaert in the late 50s. The other members were: Kari Kenton
(vocals/maracas), Vic Ingeveldt (saxophone), Charlie Lots (trumpet),
Christian Marc (piano), Henri Breyre (guitar/backing vocals), and Bill
Raymond (bass guitar). The Chakachas had a #1 hit in Belgium with the
song "Eso es el amor" in 1958. In 1959 the group recorded the song
"Rebecca," which was featured in the acclaimed movie "The Battle of
Algiers." In 1962 the Chakachas had a mid-chart hit with "Twist Twist,"
which reached #48 on the UK Singles chart. In 1972 the Chakachas scored
a massive smash with the supremely earthy and funky instrumental disco
single "Jungle Fever;" this extremely sexy and slow-grinding number
sold over a million copies in America and soared to #8 on the US
Billboard pop charts. Despite being banned by the BBC for its highly
sensuous and suggestive heavy breathing and orgasmic moaning, "Jungle
Fever" nonetheless cracked the UK Top 30 at #29. "Jungle Fever" went on
to be featured on the soundtracks to the films "Boogie Nights," "Next
Friday," and "Just Like Heaven." Moreover, "Jungle Fever" has been
sampled in songs by such hip-hop artists as 2 Live Crew, Ambassador,
Antoinette, the Beachnuts, and Public Enemy.